InterVLAN routing using Linksys Managed Switch’s L3 Mode with internet access

This article will provide you instructions on how to configure the InterVLAN routing using the L3 Mode feature of a Linksys Managed Switch. This alternative setup is useful if you have a standard router that lacks VLAN support. By following these steps, you can ensure online connectivity of the devices and still manage VLAN communication through the L3 switch.

Network Diagram

For details on each configuration, click on the corresponding links below:

Linksys Managed Switch configuration
Router configuration
PC1 configuration
PC2 configuration

Linksys Managed Switch configuration

Before you begin:

The L3 Mode feature is enabled by default for Linksys LGS3xxC/LGS3xxMPC models. If you are using Linksys LGS552/P and LGS528 models, you will need to enable the L3 Mode on the switch in its web interface. Then, go to Maintenance and select the L3 Mode radio button to enable it.

The Linksys LGS310MPC is used in this configuration.

1. Go to System > IP Settings > IPv4 Network and click to create an IP address per VLAN.

2. Enter the VlanID, Address, and Subnet Mask, and then click on the check button.

This step is very important because the IP address will be the Default Gateway of each computer assigned to each VLAN.

VLAN 1 (default) – no need to do anything here since it’s automatically the IP of the switch
VLAN 2 – 192.168.2.254 /24
VLAN 3 – 192.168.3.254 /24

3. Go to Static Route then click IPv4 Route to check your IPv4 Static Route. It should automatically create these entries.

4. Go to VLAN > 802.1Q and configure the VLAN settings.

Trunk port for the switchport connected to the router (Port 8 is used as trunk port).
Access Ports for the computers that will be connected to the switch.

5. Once done, proceed to System > IP Settings > DNS Servers and add a DNS entry.

This step is very important. Without adding any DNS, your computers and devices will only be able to communicate via Public IP addresses. If you are using any private DNS, input it here.

To add an entry, simply click on to make changes and then click to apply.

Router configuration

While the Linksys FGW5500 is utilized in this scenario, any router capable of supporting Static Routing can be used. Expect that steps may slightly differ depending on your router’s model.

1. Connect the Linksys FGW5500 to the Port 8 of the Linksys LGS310MPC using an ethernet cable.

2. Access the web interface of the Linksys FGW5500.

3. Navigate to Advanced > Static Routing and click the Add button. Enter the necessary information and select Apply. This will allow you to add a Static Route on the router that points to each VLAN on your switch.

Destination IP Address: 192.168.x.0
Subnet Mask: 255.255.255.0
Default Gateway or Gateway: IP address of the switch – This instructs the router that any communication going to those IP ranges will be forwarded to the switch.
Interface: LAN

PC1 configuration

1. Connect the PC1 to the Port 2 of the Linksys LGS310MPC using an ethernet cable.

2. Assign a static IP address on this computer since it doesn’t have a DHCP server for this VLAN.

IP: 192.168.2.10
Subnet Mask: 255.255.255.0
Default Gateway: 192.168.2.254
DNS: 8.8.8.8

PC2 configuration

1. Connect the PC2 to the Port 5 of the Linksys LGS310MPC using an ethernet cable.

2. Assign a static IP address on this computer since it doesn’t have a DHCP server for this VLAN.

IP: 192.168.3.10
Subnet Mask: 255.255.255.0
Default Gateway: 192.168.3.254
DNS: 8.8.8.8